Birthpsychology at the Movies

A Review of The Cider House Rules
by Vicki Jeter, RSc.P

Set in the northeastern United States of the early 1940s, The Cider House Rules challenges viewers to examine the moral standards that society sets for people, in contrast to the private perspectives and conciliatory concessions people often ultimately make with themselves and with others--often in order to make the choices and circumstances of their lives livable on a day-to-day-basis.

There are two parallel plots in the film. The first involves "The Orphanage" of St. Cloud, Maine, where Dr. Larch is administrator, doctor and father-figure all at once. The good doctor along with his two nurses, balance their vastly divergent life-roles (parents, healers, and abortionists) from bottomless wells of compassion. This compassion must be offset by the unwavering pragmatism necessary for the survival of the orphanage and its precious occupants.

The second plot line concerns the saga of the migrant share-croppers of the region, led by their foreman, Mr. Rose. The relationships between Mr. Rose, his workers, and his gracefully-aloof daughter, Rose enlighten the golden threads of distinction between love, loyalty, integrity, survival.

With the full panorama of prenatal and perinatal considerations brought to light at every turn in this story, not a single scene is to be missed.